Stones and Garbutt are part of the 27-man party selected by Gareth Southgate - although that number will be eventually be reduced to 23 before the start of the tournament, which kicks off on June 17 in Czech Republic.

News of Barkley’s omission will be met with relief by both Blues boss Roberto Martinez and England manager Roy Hodgson, both of whom expressed worry over the midfielder’s inclusion.

Martinez had urged Southgate not to select him earlier this year, saying his senior call-ups should make him exempt – and argument Hodgson agreed with.

But the England U-21s boss insisted his squad selection was not dictated to by any other manager.

"I was able to pick them if I wanted to," said Southgate. "Roy told me from the start that I could pick who I wanted. We say that we would have had a better chance but we don’t necessarily know that.

"I think every Under-21 manager in Europe is faced with that balance. Some of our players have been to a senior World Cup and a senior European Championship. We feel to bring them down isn’t quite right for their development."

But it is fine reward for Stones, who has been one of the best young players in the Premier League this season, as well as Garbutt, who has put in some good performances in Europe.

The Blues still must wait to see, however, whether Garbutt will sign the new contract the club have offered him.

England kick off their campaign on June 18 against Portugal and then face Sweden (June 21) and Italy (June 24).